Buying new vs. used LEDs, lifespan?

[beef1020]

I am setting up my first reef tank and trying to decide between buying used LEDs or new. Looking at the Kessil A360we specifically, but the question applies to other makes/models. I am hesitant to buy used lights, used in the 1-2 year range, because I don't think the discount is large enough, I am finding them at around 60-75%. So used A360s at $250 vs $340 new ~75%, or used AI primes at $150 vs $200 new ~75%.

I would be disappointed if I'm buying a light halfway through it's usable life, or worse, without getting a much better price. What are your experiences thoughts on this?

 

[Gonebad395]

I’ve bought used lights and never been disappointed but that’s me you just have to ask a lot of questions and decide for yourself if it’s worth the risk. I’ve found with this hobby deals are there just have to do your due diligence to make sure it’s really a deal

 

[Ctg0209]

I wouldn’t worry about usable life with leds. Maybe more at 10-15 years. I bought gen 2 radions used for my tank and they’ve been great. Corals have been growing well, clams doing well, good coloration. I think the issue of usable life is more of an issue with T5s. I guess the biggest question is if you feel you are saving enough money.

 

[biophilia]

It probably depends a lot on the manufacturer of the diode, but just as an example, Cree LEDs (like those used in the Primes) theoretically have a 50,000 hour lifespan at full power. That works out to 13+ years @10 hours per day. The part I'd expect to fail first would be the cooling fan, but a DIY replacement for that is probably not that much of a headache. If it were me, I'd buy a used light at a decent discount if it were newer than 5 years...

 

[ca1ore]

I think assuming any of these lights will last 50,000 hours is laughable. Maybe the diode lasts that long to 70%, but the supporting electronics certainly won’t; not hung over a corrosive reef tank. I’ve had a number of the Kessil 360, and some failures in the 2-3 year range. I would not pay more than 50% for a 1 year old light .... and most folks want much more than that .... so I buy them new. Maybe something like a Radion lasts a bit longer as they don’t have the same fan issues, but I still think folks both ask for and pay too much for used gear.

First rule of used selling: sellers expect more for their used gear than they would be willing to pay you for yours! Caveat emptor.

 

[beef1020]

I think assuming any of these lights will last 50,000 hours is laughable. Maybe the diode lasts that long to 70%, but the supporting electronics certainly won’t; not hung over a corrosive reef tank. I’ve had a number of the Kessil 360, and some failures in the 2-3 year range. I would not pay more than 50% for a 1 year old light .... and most folks want much more than that .... so I buy them new. Maybe something like a Radion lasts a bit longer as they don’t have the same fan issues, but I still think folks both ask for and pay too much for used gear.

First rule of used selling: sellers expect more for their used gear than they would be willing to pay you for yours! Caveat emptor.

I agree that while the diodes may be rated for 50k hours, the light as a package probably is not. I'm leaning towards new, just don't want to by pennywise and pound foolish...

 

[Montiman]

I purchased 2 360s in 2012 one died last year after 6 years and the other is running strong. The 50,000 hours is just the LEDs. I personally feel most people will want to upgrade after 6 years and frankly after paying almost $100 per halide bulb yearly I am not bummed to buy a $450 light every 5 years.

I would not buy a used 360 for anything more than 250.

 

[theatrus]

I agree that while the diodes may be rated for 50k hours, the light as a package probably is not. I'm leaning towards new, just don't want to by pennywise and pound foolish...

Note that the 50k hour is at something called L70: 70% lumen maintenance.

https://www.lumileds.com/uploads/167/WP15-pdf